Flumethasone
Flumethasone is a potent fluorinated glucocorticoid used for anti-inflammatory and selected immunosuppressive purposes. It has been used particularly in large-animal medicine for musculoskeletal and respiratory inflammation, with additional applications in small animals. Its prolonged glucocorticoid effects support suppression of inflammatory disease rather than immediate mechanical relief of airway obstruction or tissue injury.
Group
Glucocorticoid
Mechanism of Action
Flumethasone enters responsive cells and binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. The activated receptor complex regulates gene transcription, suppressing inflammatory cytokines, enzymes and adhesion molecules while increasing anti-inflammatory proteins. These effects reduce vascular permeability, inflammatory-cell recruitment and immune activation. Glucocorticoid-mediated changes in hepatic metabolism also contribute to its use in selected bovine ketosis cases.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammation | 0.06–0.25 mg/animal | PO, IV, IM, SC | Every 24 h | Source-described manufacturer regimen. |
| Alternative anti-inflammatory regimen | Reference only | PO, IV, IM, SC | The source lists 0.15–0.3 mg/kg every 12–24 hours, versus approximately 0.01–0.02 mg/kg/day for the manufacturer regimen. Resolve this marked dose discrepancy before calculator use. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammation | 0.03–0.125 mg/animal | PO, IV, IM, SC | Every 24 h | Source-described manufacturer regimen. |
| Alternative anti-inflammatory regimen | Reference only | PO, IV, IM, SC | The source lists 0.15–0.3 mg/kg every 12–24 hours, versus approximately 0.01–0.02 mg/kg/day for the manufacturer regimen. Resolve this marked dose discrepancy before calculator use. |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammation | 1.25–2.5 mg/animal | IV, IM | Once | |
| Inflammation | 0.04–0.15 mg/kg | IV, IM | Once | Higher expert-use alternative described separately from fixed product-label doses. |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammation | 1.25–5 mg/animal | IV, IM | Once | |
| Inflammation | 0.04–0.15 mg/kg | IV, IM | Once | Higher expert-use alternative described separately from fixed product-label doses. |
Indications
- Treatment of selected inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions in horses and other veterinary species, including synovial inflammation with an appropriate product.
- Suppression of airway inflammation in horses with equine asthma.
- Treatment of selected allergic or immune-mediated disorders in dogs and cats.
- Adjunctive treatment of selected cases of bovine ketosis.
Contraindications
- Use cautiously with ulcers, infection, diabetes, renal disease or pregnancy.
Interactions
- NSAIDs increase GI injury.
Adverse effects
- Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and adrenal suppression
- GI ulceration, hepatopathy, hyperglycemia and delayed healing
- Secondary infection; possible laminitis
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flumethasone injection 0.5 mg/mL | Injection | 0.5 mg / mL | IV, IM, SC |
| Flumethasone 0.0625 mg | Tablet | 0.0625 mg / tablet | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor glucose, liver and renal parameters and infection; assess adrenal function when indicated.
The source’s weight-based small-animal anti-inflammatory dose differs substantially from its manufacturer fixed doses. Keep these separate rather than presenting a broad merged range.
Equine intra-articular suspension is reported at 6–10 mg per joint; route is unsupported by the app.
Flumethasone acetate 2 mg/mL suspension is also described; ester and intra-articular products must not be treated as interchangeable soluble IV preparations.
The additional source describes intralesional flumethasone 0.125–1 mg and intra-articular 0.166–1 mg in dogs. These local routes are unsupported by the calculator and are not equivalent to systemic injection.